Contents
- 1 What does a differential white cell count tell you?
- 2 What does high white blood cell differential mean?
- 3 What infections cause white blood cells to be high?
- 4 What is the difference between a differential white blood cell count and a total white blood count?
- 5 Is high white blood count serious?
- 6 What happens if white blood cells are high?
- 7 How are white blood cell count and differential related?
- 8 When do you need a WBC count and differential test?
What does a differential white cell count tell you?
A differential blood count gives the relative percentage of each type of white blood cell and also helps to reveal abnormal white blood cell populations (eg, blasts, immature granulocytes, and circulating lymphoma cells in the peripheral blood).
What does high white blood cell differential mean?
There are many reasons your blood differential test results may be outside the normal range. A high white blood cell count may indicate an infection, immune disorder, or allergic reaction. A low count may be caused by bone marrow problems, medication reactions, or cancer.
What does white blood cell test show?
A WBC count can detect hidden infections within your body and alert doctors to undiagnosed medical conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, immune deficiencies, and blood disorders. This test also helps doctors monitor the effectiveness of chemotherapy or radiation treatment in people with cancer.
What infections cause white blood cells to be high?
The following conditions can cause white blood cell counts to be high:
- Viral or bacterial infection.
- Inflammation.
- Excessive physical or emotional stress (such as fever, injury, or surgery)
- Burns.
- Immune system disorders such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.
- Thyroid problems.
What is the difference between a differential white blood cell count and a total white blood count?
A white blood cell (WBC) count measures the number of white blood cells in your blood, and a WBC differential determines the percentage of each type of white blood cell present in your blood. A differential can also detect immature white blood cells and abnormalities, both of which are signs of potential issues.
What happens when you have a low white blood cell count?
White blood cells are produced by your bone marrow to help your body fight infection. If you have fewer than normal white blood cells, you have a higher risk of getting an infection. When you have a low white blood cell count, your immune system isn’t working as well as it should.
Is high white blood count serious?
On its own, leukocytosis is usually not harmful. An abnormally raised white blood cell count is not a disease condition, but can point to another underlying cause such as infection, cancer or autoimmune disorders. An abnormally high white blood cell count should always be considered for its possible causes.
What happens if white blood cells are high?
A high white blood cell count may indicate that the immune system is working to destroy an infection. It may also be a sign of physical or emotional stress. People with particular blood cancers may also have high white blood cells counts.
What does a differential blood test tell you?
The blood differential test measures the percentage of each type of white blood cell (WBC) that you have in your blood. It also reveals if there are any abnormal or immature cells. Differential; Diff; White blood cell differential count
Overview. Each of these can be affected in different ways if you have a particular condition or disease. A white blood cell (WBC) count measures the number of white blood cells in your blood, and a WBC differential determines the percentage of each type of white blood cell present in your blood.
When do you need a WBC count and differential test?
Your doctor may request a WBC count and differential if they suspect you have one of several conditions, including: Both tests can help your doctor determine if your symptoms are due to high or low WBC levels, which will help them understand what condition you may have. WBC counts can also be used to monitor certain disease processes and illnesses.
What’s the difference between a leukocyte and a WBC count?
A WBC count can also be called a leukocyte count, and a WBC differential can also be called a leukocyte differential count. Read more: WBC (white blood cell) count »